Dual magnetic register for a utility meter

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a device, system, and method for detecting and measuring the bi-directional flow of a fluid through a fluid meter, such as a household or business water meter. In one device embodiment the invention comprises a logical switch collar ( 12 ) disposed over an analog fluid meter ( 14 ) having a sweep-hand ( 18 ) with a magnet ( 16 ) coupled thereto. In operation, the logical switch collar ( 12 ) consists of at least two magnetic switches that are triggered to open or close in response to the rotational movement of the sweep-hand ( 18 ) as fluid flows through a fluid meter ( 14 ) in both the forward and reverse directions. These switching events are detected and recording by an electronic module ( 19 ). Advantageously, the present invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals when the fluid flows through the meter in either direction ( 14 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to fluid meters, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and a system for monitoring the bi-directional flow of water flowing through a household water meter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Organizations that provide electricity and water to home or business users are typically referred to as “utilities.” These utility companies bill their customers by applying price rates based on the quantities of product that the customer uses during a predetermined time period, generally a month. This monthly usage is measured by reading the consumption meter located at a service point, which is usually located at a point where the utility service line enters the customer's home, store, or plant. To determine water usage, for instance, the numerical differences between a meter reading at the start of the predetermined period and at the end of that period reveals the gallons of water used during the month. More importantly, utility companies perceive these meters as their “cash registers” and, as such, they spend considerable time and money trying to obtain accurate meter readings.

[0003] Generally, there have been two acceptable methods used by water utility companies for obtaining monthly meter readings. One method is known, generally, as an E.M.R. (Electronic Meter Reading) method wherein a person (i.e., a meter reader) in the field uses a rugged hand held computer and visually enters the numerical reading displayed on the meter. Another method involves AMR (Automated Meter Reading), which simplifies meter reading by using a device that attaches to the meter and obtains a reading which is then transmitted to a remote location for processing via radio frequency (RF), telephone, or coaxial cable line carriers.

[0004] In order to measure their customer's daily, weekly, or monthly water consumption, water utility companies use three types of meters: standard meters, electronic pulse meters, and encoded register meters. However, in certain installations, these meters have no devices that measure water flowing in a backward direction (i.e., backflow) through the meters. Typically, this backflow causes the reading on the meter to decrement thereby producing less than accurate numerical readings and water consumption estimates, which reduces the utilities revenue.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and system that detects and measures both the forward and reverse flow of water through a water meter and alerting the utility company thereof of a reverse flow condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention achieves the technical advantage by sensing both the forward and reverse flow of water through a water meter and recording the occurrence thereof.

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention is a fluid detection system adapted to detect the bi-directional flow of a fluid flowing through a fluid meter. Preferably, the system comprises a sensing circuit adapted to be coupled to the meter for sensing and measuring the quantity of fluid that flows through the meter as it flows in a first direction and a second opposite direction. The system also comprises an electronics module which is communicably coupled to sensing circuit for detecting and recording, at predetermined intervals, the number times in which the fluid meter hand sweeps in the first direction and the second opposite direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention is a device coupled to a water meter for accurately detecting water consumption. Preferably, the water meter is an odometer-type meter having a rotating sweeping hand having a magnet disposed thereon. The device comprises at least two magnetic switches adapted to sense the passing of the sweeping hand and to provide a first and second output signal in response to water flowing through the meter in a first direction and a second opposite direction, respectively. The device further comprises an electronic module having at least two inputs for receiving the first and second switching output signals. Advantageously, the electronic module tracks and records the flow of water in the first direction and the second opposite direction through the meter, at predetermined intervals, based on the on and off status of the first and second output signals.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method for sensing and recording the bi-directional flow of water through a water meter. This method is achieved by the acts of sensing water moving through a water meter, measuring the quantity of water passing through a water meter, and recording, at predetermined intervals, the number of times a meter hand sweeps in a forward and reverse direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 shows a bi-directional water measuring system coupled to a water meter in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of two sensing switches in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a switching diagram indicating the status of two magnetic switches when water flows in the forward direction through the water meter;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a switching diagram indicating the status of two magnetic sensing switches as water flows in the reverse direction through the water meter; and

[0015]FIG. 5 illustrates a water detection and consumption algorithm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses and innovative teachings herein. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features, but not to others.

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a bi-directional water measuring system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The system comprises a logical switch collar 12 coupled to a household or business water meter 14. In one preferred embodiment, the logical switch collar 12 is shown to be appropriately fitted over the perimeter lens of 15 of the meter 14, having a magnet 16 attached to a sweep-hand 18. Moreover, a microprocessor based electronic module 19 having memory is shown to be communicably coupled to logic switch collar 12 via cable 17.

[0018] In operation, the sweep-hand 18 turns clockwise as water passes forward through the meter 14, and sweeps counterclockwise as water passes in the reverse direction through meter 14. Typically one sweep, or rotation, of sweep-hand 18 signifies ten gallons of water flow i.e. consumption, for example. The magnet 16 attached to one end of the sweep-hand 18 is positioned such that it travels around the outer circumference of the meter 14 proximate the lens 15, passing close to the logical switch collar 12. The magnetic sensitivity of the logical switch collar's magnetic switches 20 and 22 and the strength of magnet 16 are coordinated to ensure proper operational overlap, as will be discussed shortly in reference to FIG. 2. As such, by tracking the number of sweeps of hand 18, in either direction, and distinguishing the sweep direction, and accounting for the sweep constant in gallons, the electronic module 19, in conjunction with the switch collar 12, accurately tracks and records into memory water consumption of water flowing in both the forward and reverse directions as it flows through the meter 14. It should be noted, however, that although the invention is used to monitor and record the bi-directional flow of water, any number of other liquids flowing through a meter may be detected and recorded, such as oil, for instance. In addition, although an odometer-type analog meter is illustrated, many types of analog meters may be fitted. For a more detailed description of the electronic module 19, cross-reference is made to commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/896,502 entitled “Optical Sensor for Utility Meter”, the teachings of which are incorporated herein be reference.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the logical switch collar 12 in accordance with the present invention. The logical switch collar 12 has two magnetic switches mounted therein, an event switch 20 and a direction switch 22 which are adapted to generate two logic outputs. The switch collar 12 has a cable 17 coupled thereto, including wiring coupled to event switch 20 and direction switch 22, as well as common line 25. Depending on the direction of the flow of water through meter 14, switches 20 and 22 magnetically sense the directional passing of magnet 16 as the sweep-hand 18 increments in the clockwise direction, or, conversely, as it decrements in the counterclockwise direction, as depicted in FIG. 1. That is, magnet 16 triggers each of switches 20 and 22 to either an on or off state as a function of water flowing in the forward or reverse directions through the meter 14. As a result, the electronic module 19 detects and records these switching events as they are transmitted from switch collar 12 via cable 17. It should be understood that even though switches 20 and 22 are illustrated, different types of sensors or switches may be used, such as a dry contact switch, a transistor switch, or an optical switch, for example.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a timing switching diagram indicating the status of event switch 20 and direction indicator switch 22 as water flows in a forward direction. Again, as the magnet 16 sweeps clockwise across the face of the meter 14, it causes the event switch 20 to first close when the magnet is proximate the switch. The direction switch 22 will be open momentarily since the magnet 16 is approaching switch 22 clockwise, as shown, and water is determined to be flowing in the forward direction through the meter 14. The electronic module 19 in response to the closure of event switch 20 will record water as passing forward through the meter 14 as the meter reading is likewise incremented.

[0021] Alternatively, FIG. 4 shows a switching diagram indicating the status of switches 20 and 22 as water flows in the reverse direction. That is, at a time when the event switch 20 is closed by the proximity of magnet 16, the direction switch 22 is already closed due to the magnet 16 approaching from the counterclockwise direction, and water is established as flowing in the reverse direction, due to the sweep-hand 18 being rotated counterclockwise. Advantageously, the end result is that as the meter reading decrements, the electronic module 19 still accurately records the event of water passing through the meter 14 in the opposite direction by recording it as a reverse pass. The electronic module records the total gallons flowing forward, and backward through the meter, allowing for accurate billing.

[0022]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for detecting water consumption according to the invention. The method, denoted generally as 50, involves a sensing act 52 that senses the direction of water flowing through a water meter 14. The sensing act 52 is then followed by a measuring act 54 which measures the quantity of water through the meter in view of the direction of flow being ascertained. Next, act 56, detects and records the quality of water flowing in both the forward and reveres directions through the meter 14.

[0023] Advantageously, the invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals in both directions, rather than reporting the net water flow which inaccurately reports fluid flow events.

[0024] Though the invention has been described with respect to specific preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications. 

We claim:
 1. An automatic fluid detection system for measuring fluid delivery through a meter, said system comprising: a sensing circuit adapted to couple to the fluid meter, said sensing circuit being adapted to monitor the quantity of fluid flowing in both a forward and a reverse direction through said fluid meter; and an electronic module communicably coupled to said sensing circuit, said electronic module recording and distinguishing when said fluid is moving in the forward direction and the reverse direction through said fluid meter.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said fluid meter has a rotating sweeping hand having a magnet couple thereto.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in a first direction in response to said fluid flowing in the forward direction through said fluid meter.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in the second opposite direction in response to said fluid flowing in the reverse direction through said meter.
 5. The system of claim 2 wherein said sensing circuit includes a first magnetic switch and a second magnetic switch, wherein said sweeping hand triggers said first switch at predetermined intervals in response to fluid flowing through said meter.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch to a first position in response to said fluid flowing in the forward direction.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch to a second position in response to said fluid flowing in the reverse direction.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said fluid meter is a water meter, wherein said sensing circuit is adapted to monitor the quantity of water flowing through said water meter.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the sensing circuit comprises a plurality of optical sensors.
 10. In combination: a water meter; a sensing circuit coupled to a water meter, said sensing circuit being adapted to monitor the quantity of water flowing in both a forward and a reverse direction through said water meter; and an electronic module communicably coupled to said sensing circuit, said electronic module recording and distinguishing when said water is moving in the forward direction and the reverse direction through said water meter.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein said water meter has a rotating sweeping hand having a magnet couple thereto.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in a first direction in response to said water flowing in the forward direction through said water meter.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in the second opposite direction in response to said water flowing in the reverse direction through said water meter.
 14. The system of claim 10 wherein said sensing circuit includes a first magnetic switch and a second magnetic switch, wherein said sweeping hand triggers said first switch at predetermined intervals in response to water flowing through said water meter.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch to a first position in response to said water flowing in the forward direction.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch to a second position in response to said fluid flowing in the reverse direction.
 17. The system of claim 10 wherein the sensing circuit comprises a plurality of optical sensors.
 18. A method of measuring water consumption, comprising the steps of: sensing water flowing through a water meter; measuring the quantity of water passing through said water meter; and detecting and recording when said water is flowing in both the forward and reverse direction through said water meter.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said water meter has a rotating sweeping hand having a magnet couple thereto.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in a first direction in response to said water flowing in the forward direction through said water meter.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein said sweeping hand is adapted to rotate in a second opposite direction in response to said water flowing in the reverse direction through said water meter.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein said sensing step utilizes a first magnetic switch and a second magnetic switch, wherein said sweeping hand triggers said first switch to close in response to water moving through said water meter.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch to a first position open in response to said water flowing in the forward direction.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein said sweeping hand triggers said second switch a second position in response to said water flowing in the reverse direction.
 25. A device for detecting water consumption adapted to couple to a water meter, wherein said water meter includes a rotating sweeping-hand having a magnet coupled thereto, said device comprising: a first switch adapted to generate a first signal in response to said sweeping hand rotating in a first direction; a second switch adapted to generate a second signal in response to said sweeping hand rotating in a second opposite direction; and a recording module having at least two inputs, wherein said recording module, in response to said first and second signals, monitors and records water flowing in both a forward and a reverse direction through said water meter.
 26. The device of claim 25 wherein said sweeping hand rotates in a counterclockwise direction in response to said water flowing in the reverse direction through said meter.
 27. The device of claim 26 wherein said sweeping hand rotates in a clockwise direction in response to said water flowing in the forward direction through said meter.
 28. The device of claim 25 wherein said first and second switch is a magnetic switch. 